The warm weather tempted me out onto the local heaths last weekend, Morden Bog being a particular favourite at this time of year. Emperor Moths were whirling past in the heat but I was unable to find one perched. This has long been a photographic target for me and I am determined to achieve it one day, and without the aid of a pheromone lure! Fortunately there is still plenty of the spring left to persevere. In the meantime, some offerings from the weekend:
 |
| The first thing I stumbled across was not a sign of the developing spring but the outgoing winter: a Great Grey Shrike. |
 |
| Close views of an impressive bird - it will soon be heading off for its breeding grounds |
 |
| This well camouflaged Woodlark flushed form the path and perched above me briefly |
 |
| A Yellowhammer was easier to spot |
 |
| Stonechat is always prominent on the heathlands... |
 |
| ...and Dartford Warblers are more evident at this time of year. |
 |
| Siskin was among the songsters at Morden Bog... |
 |
| ...as was the Mistle Thrush - a haunting song |
 |
| A migrant Wheatear was out on the heath |
 |
| Judging by the webbed rear feet I believe this to be a Palmate Newt - photographed in a large puddle on a heathland path |
 |
| A Stoat was also a welcome surprise at Morden Bog |
 |
| And finally, one of the most sought after spring migrants has returned to the Bog: Common Redstart, a singing male |
No comments:
Post a Comment